Ronnie O’Sullivan is gearing up for what promises to be a cracking Masters opener against Neil Robertson at Alexandra Palace next Wednesday.
The eight-time champion has been putting in the work at Celbridge Snooker Club in Ireland, sharpening his game ahead of his pursuit of a record-extending ninth title.
It’s been quite the turnaround for the 50-year-old, who sat out last year’s tournament after a frustrating spell saw him snap his cue during the Championship League.
The Rocket appears to be in a much happier place now as he prepares for the prestigious north London event.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is gunning for an incredible ninth Masters title this month
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PA
Fergal O’Brien, who spent years playing at the Celbridge venue before retiring from the professional circuit in 2024, helped set up the practice sessions.
The former world number nine arranged for O’Sullivan to face two players he now coaches – Antrim’s Jordan Brown and Cork’s Aaron Hill.
“He’s been staying over here the last little bit,” O’Brien told Metro. “Then he was in touch looking for games.”
The club, situated just outside Dublin, has a proper old school feel to it, and O’Brien reckons the seven-time world champion absolutely loved the atmosphere.
Owners Phil and Johanna Martin ensure players can practice without interruption.
Ronnie O’Sullivan joined Jordan Brown and Fergal O’Brien in Celbridge
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O’Brien was at the club when O’Sullivan played against Brown and Hill, and came away impressed with what he saw.
“It’s hard to know, only Ronnie knows how he sees it,” the Irishman said. “But in talking to him, he’s in good form in himself and he loved being in the club and playing. He was certainly playing well enough! Who knows from there.”
Results haven’t quite gone the Rocket’s way this season, but his practice sessions suggest he’s finding his rhythm again.
The relaxed environment at Celbridge seems to have done him the world of good heading into the Masters.
O’Sullivan’s season has been a bit of a struggle in terms of results, making his Masters preparation all the more important.
As for O’Brien, he’s found life after 33 years on the professional tour surprisingly fulfilling.
“The only real surprise is that I don’t miss playing, which I’m amazed at to be honest, because I genuinely loved it so much,” he admitted.
The transition into coaching Brown, Hill and Martin O’Donnell, combined with commentary work and a busy schedule at the Celbridge club, has kept him occupied.
“The switch as a player just went off,” he said.
